Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder may have an ongoing combination
of extremely high (manic) and low (depressed) moods. Highs may alternate
with lows, or the person may feel both extremes at the same time.

Bipolar Disorder usually starts in adult life. Although less common,
it does occur in teenagers and even rarely in young children. This
illness can affect anyone. However, if one or both parents have
Bipolar Disorder, the chances are greater that their children will
develop the disorder. Family history of drug or alcohol abuse also
may be associated with Bipolar Disorder in teens.

Bipolar Disorder may begin either with manic or depressive symptoms.The manic symptoms include:

severe changes in mood compared to others of the same age and
background - either unusually happy or silly, or very irritable,
angry, agitated or aggressive

unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a teenager who
feels all powerful or like a superhero with special powers

great increase in energy and the ability to go with little or
no sleep for days without feeling tired

frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches
or stomach aches

low energy level, fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of
boredom

major change in eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping
or overeating

Some of these signs are similar to those that occur in teenagers
with other problems such as drug abuse, delinquency, attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder, or even schizophrenia. The diagnosis can
only be made with careful observation over an extended period of
time. A thorough evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist
can be helpful in identifying the problems and starting specific
treatment.

Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder can be effectively treated. Treatment
for Bipolar Disorder usually includes education of the patient and
the family about the illness, mood stabilizing medications such
as lithium and valproic acid, and psychotherapy. Mood stabilizing
medications often reduce the number and severity of manic episodes,
and also help to prevent depression. Psychotherapy helps the teenager
understand himself or herself, adapt to stresses, rebuild self-esteem
and improve relationships.

Daycare.com would like to thank American Academy
of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for this information in striving
to make daycare and childcare a more productive and efficient service.
You can contact them at: 3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20016-3007 voice: 202-966-7300 fax: 202-966-2891.